486 Jurisprudence (Nye)

LAW486

Jurisprudence: Equality and Section 15

(Nye)

Prerequisite courses: 

Prerequisite for: 

Instructor(s): Professor Hillary Nye

Course credit: 3

Method of presentation: Seminar

METHOD OF EVALUATION

The evaluation will be a combination of writing assignment(s) and participation.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

One of law’s fundamental promises is to treat us as equals. In this course we will examine what equality means and what it demands of our institutions. We explore this question primarily through philosophical literature on egalitarian theory and distributive justice, as well as theories of discrimination law. Our goal is to gain a critical understanding of what it is that we think should be equalised: do we want equal respect, equal goods, equal opportunities, equal wellbeing, or equality along some other dimension? What, precisely, should the government do if it is to treat us as equals? While primarily focused on philosophical conceptions of equality, we will also examine some Canadian case law on Section 15 of the Charter, which enshrines a right to equality, and bring to bear philosophical perspectives on the court’s jurisprudence. 

SPECIAL COMMENTS

Description updated 2022-23. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.

REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):

No textbook required. Readings will be posted to TWEN